Assault Defense Lawyer

San Luis Obispo Violent Crime Defense Attorney

California legal statutes define assault as the intentional, deliberate, and knowing attempt to harm another person, or to promise them future harm in a display that is sincere or menacing enough to cause fear or intimidation. While assault charges do not necessarily have to involve actual harm done to a victim, the criminal justice system still considers it one of the most serious violent crimes on record. If you have been accused of or arrested for assault or domestic violence, you must take action to protect yourself and your reputation.

At The Law Office of Trace Milan, our San Luis Obispo violent crime defense lawyer can help build a case that aims to reduce your charges or dismiss the case altogether. By giving each case personalized attention and offering reasonable, flat-rate fees and payment plans, we have found a name in the Central Coast of California as being reliable, compassionate, and knowledgeable in criminal law. Contact our team today to learn more about our services.

Penalties for Assault Convictions

Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in California. Certain circumstances and details related to your arrest will determine whether or not your charges need to be escalated to a felony. Both your alleged actions and the identity of the alleged victim can trigger this escalation. For example, claiming you are going to hurt someone while you hold a potentially-dangerous object may be aggravated assault; or, threatening an emergency responder performing their duty can be felony assault.

Minimum and maximum penalties in most assault cases are:

• $1,000 to $2,000 fines
• 6 months to 1 year in jail
• 1 year to 3 years of probation
• 10 to 80 hours of community service

Is Assault the Same as Battery?

Many people confuse assault for battery and vice versa. Assault is the act of threatening someone without physical violence against them, whereas battery is the actual act of using force or violence against someone. Assault and battery may often be charged together but usually represent two difference charges, not one combined charge. Battery convictions often carry heavier penalties than those related to assault.

We Help Clients in Need Throughout the Central Coast

After you have been arrested for assault, it is important to stay quiet, stay calm, and get a hold of a trusted San Luis Obispo criminal defense attorney from our firm. We have helped countless clients in situations just like yours but that does not mean we use cookie-cutter, premanufactured solutions. Every case we take is treated like the unique situation that it is, and every client is given total respect and attention.

Call (805) 288-7078 today to set up a case review with The Law Office of Trace Milan.